SNAKE AND FROG PRATTLE 241 



such is their belief. Science, however, shows that 

 though the snake has poison fangs, they are located 

 so far back in the jaws as to be practically ineffective. 

 Its fierce demeanour is probably, therefore, assumed 

 for the purposes of intimidation. The gun speedily 

 put the wicked-looking snake out of action, and a bulge 

 in the body indicated the site of the last meal the 

 confiding thrush and her fledgeless brood. The inci- 

 dent illustrates another favourite theory viz., that 

 venomous snakes have a specific, distinctive odour, 

 which warns animals likely to be attacked of their 

 presence. The dog kills green tree, ordinary whip 

 snakes, and the black, white-bellied species fond of 

 reposing in the mounds of scrub hens, without ceremony 

 and with all the zest and enthusiasm of a good sport; 

 but in the case of venomous species so far he has not 

 failed to call for help, but if assistance be delayed he 

 takes the law into his own hands. 



Be it far from me to cast doubt on the truth of that 

 which follows. The record is found in "Memoirs of the 

 Queensland Museum," vol. ii., page 43: "Although 

 the scientific worker is hopelessly handicapped by the 

 vividly imaginative journalist when snake stories are 

 told, yet occasionally there are noticed incidents start- 

 ling enough in their way. During the cooler months 

 a young and lithe Diemenia psammophis, Schleg, 

 popularly known as a 'whip snake,' usually retired under 

 a piece of bark placed in its case, and it was only to 

 be tempted out on warm and sunny days. On one 

 occasion a small skink lizard was introduced, and the 

 snake commenced a lively chase. The lizard ran under 

 the bark, and on reaching the other side scampered 

 back over the top, closely pursued by the snake. Again 

 the lizard entered the bark tunnel, through which the 



